'The View' names its final two panelists

By Chuck Barney

Contra Costa Times

Posted:
09/04/2014 08:35:11 AM MDT

The makeover of "The View" is now complete.

ABC on Thursday announced that actress Rosie Perez and political commentator Nicolle Wallace are joining the daytime chatfest. They'll fill out the panel, along with Whoopi Goldberg and Rosie O'Donnell, when the show launches its new season on Sept. 15.

Goldberg is the only holdover on the program following the departure of creator Barbara Walters, who retired from her on-screen duties this spring. Also gone is longtime producer Bill Geddie.

Perez is an actress and choreographer who has appeared in such movies as "Do the Right Thing," "White Men Can't Jump," and "Fearless," for which she earned an Oscar nomination.

Rosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace will take over the final two co-host seats on "The View." They join Whoopi Goldberg and Rosie O'Donnell. (Getty Images)

Wallace, a political analyst for MSNBC, was communications chief for President George W. Bush's reelection campaign and was an adviser on John McCain's 2008 campaign.

Both women have served as guest co-hosts on "The View" -- Perez in February, and Wallace three times in the past. They replace Sherri Shepherd and Jenny McCarthy.

"These are powerful and accomplished women from different walks of life who have had amazing personal and professional experiences," said executive producer Bill Wolff, who replaced the fired Geddie. "Each brings incredible perspective and information to the table."